Istanbul sits at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, a city shaped by empires and daily life on the Bosphorus. Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans left monuments that still command awe—from Hagia Sophia’s soaring dome to the serene courtyards of Topkapı Palace.

Beyond the icons, Istanbul hums with café culture, meyhanes serving meze and raki, and market lanes perfumed by spices. Ferries crisscross the strait, fishermen line Galata Bridge at sunset, and vendors pull endless cups of tea.

Practical notes: Mosques welcome visitors outside prayer times; bring modest attire and be ready to remove shoes. Grand Bazaar is closed Sundays. Pick up an Istanbulkart for trams, metro, and ferries. Spring and fall bring mild weather; winters are atmospheric and less crowded.

Istanbul

Straddling two continents, Istanbul is both open-air museum and living city. Old City (Sultanahmet) holds Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern; a short tram ride away, Galata’s lanes climb to the watchtower, and Karaköy buzzes with coffee bars and baklava masters.

Across the water, Kadıköy is a gourmand’s playground—market stalls, meze counters, and dessert shops—while the Bosphorus villages (Beşiktaş, Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek) offer waterfront strolls and seafood with a view. Art lovers shouldn’t miss Istanbul Modern and the Pera Museum.

• How to get here: Fly into IST (Istanbul Airport) or SAW (Sabiha Gökçen). From European hubs (e.g., London) it’s ~4 hours; from NYC it’s ~9–10.5 hours. Search fares on Omio, Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical roundtrips: intra-Europe $120–$300; North America $450–$900.
• Trains & buses: Seasonal/overnight services link the Balkans with Istanbul; compare on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses). In-country high-speed trains connect Ankara–Istanbul (~4.5 hours).
• Airport to city: M11 metro from IST to Gayrettepe connects to M2 for Taksim and the historic peninsula; Havaist coaches run to major districts; taxis are metered.

• Where to stay (book with our partners):
• Search apartments on VRBO – Istanbul or hotels on Hotels.com – Istanbul.
• Luxury waterfront classic: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul.
• Resort-style with city views: Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul.
• Ottoman-era boutique in Sirkeci: Sirkeci Mansion.
• Historic palace setting: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
• Friendly, social budget base: Cheers Hostel.

Day 1: Arrival, First Tastes, Golden Hour by the Galata Bridge

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle walk through Karaköy’s lanes. Grab a strong Turkish coffee at Coffee Sapiens and a warm simit from a street bakery. Pop into Istanbul Modern if time allows for a quick look at contemporary Turkish art.

Evening: Stroll the Galata Bridge as the fishing lines glint in sunset light. Dinner at Karaköy Lokantası (classic tiled dining room; order eggplant starters, köfte, and the daily olive-oil dishes). For dessert, sample pistachio baklava at Karaköy Güllüoğlu—ask for “fıstıklı şöbiyet.”

Night: If you still have energy, ride the historic Tünel up to Beyoğlu and sip thick, foam-topped Turkish coffee at Mandabatmaz on a side street off İstiklal.

Day 2: Sultanahmet Icons—Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı

Morning: Join a small-group deep dive into the Old City with a licensed guide on the Istanbul: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & opt. Basilica Cistern Tour (about 3 hours). Expect cultural context, entry guidance, and time-saving logistics.

Afternoon: Explore Topkapı Palace and the Harem apartments—tilework, treasury, and Bosphorus panoramas. Lunch at Pandeli above the Spice Bazaar (a 1901 institution; try lamb stews and stuffed vine leaves). Wander Gülhane Park’s plane trees after.

Evening: Dinner near Sirkeci at Şehzade Erzurum Cağ Kebabı (rotisserie-style lamb slices on skewers). Nightcap: sahlep (hot orchid-root milk drink) from a street vendor or tea in Sirkeci’s courtyards. Tip: Grand Bazaar closes Sundays; plan shopping accordingly.

Day 3: Two-Continents Food Adventure and Kadıköy Markets

Morning: Hearty breakfast at Namlı Gurme Karaköy—cheeses from Kars, olives, menemen eggs—ordered à la carte and assembled at your table. Peek into the Spice Bazaar for pul biber, sumac, and dried fruit.

Afternoon (Tour): Cross the Bosphorus with a guide on the Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry. You’ll graze through Old City favorites, ferry to Kadıköy, and continue with regional meze, pickles, and desserts—come hungry.

Evening: Linger in Kadıköy: dinner at Çiya Sofrası (ever-changing Anatolian recipes; try stuffed quince if in season). Ice cream at Ali Usta in Moda, then ferry back as the city lights bloom. Optional rooftop drink at 16 Roof (Swissôtel) overlooking the strait.

Day 4: Bosphorus Palaces to Villages + Sunset at Sea

Morning: Tour Dolmabahçe Palace—crystal chandeliers, baroque staircases, and the final residence of Ottoman sultans. Coffee at Petra Roasting Co. (Gayrettepe) for single-origin pour-overs or a cardamom-kissed latte.

Afternoon: Taxi or bus to Ortaköy for photos with the waterfront mosque. Sample a “kumpir” (loaded baked potato) from a stall, then walk the scenic promenade through Arnavutköy’s wooden yalı mansions to Bebek for gelato and Bosphorus breezes.

Evening (Cruise): Sail into golden hour on the Istanbul Sunset Cruise With Luxury Yacht On Bosphorus. You’ll see palaces, fortresses, and bridges glow as the sun dips.

Late Dinner: Reserve at Sur Balık Arnavutköy for sea bass, crisp salads, and a table above the water, or opt for a traditional meyhane in Asmalımescit (Asmalı Cavit) for meze and raki with lively conversation.

Day 5: Balat Colors, Galata Tower, and Beyoğlu Culture

Morning: Explore Fener–Balat’s cobbled streets, pastel houses, and Byzantine-orthodox heritage. Coffee at Coffee Department (Fener) and a simit from a neighborhood bakery as you photograph steep stairways and laundry lines.

Afternoon: Tram to Karaköy and climb to the Galata Tower for wraparound views (timed tickets advisable). Lunch at Dürümzade (Anthony Bourdain favorite; try the spicy Adana wrap), then browse the Pera Museum’s rotating exhibitions.

Evening: Dinner tasting-menu at Neolokal (contemporary Anatolian with a conscience) or book well ahead for TURK Fatih Tutak (innovative, Michelin-starred). For live music and craft beer, head to Babylon and The Populist in Bomontiada.

Day 6: Hammam Ritual and a Turkish Home Cooking Class

Morning: Traditional hammam at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı (Tophane)—a restored 16th-century bath by architect Sinan. Expect a warm marble slab, exfoliation, and clouds of foam. Brunch after at Van Kahvaltı Evi (Cihangir): cheeses, honey with clotted cream, and herb-laced eggs.

Afternoon (Class): Step into a local kitchen for the Private Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class with Local Moms. Learn to roll dolma, master lentil köfte, and finish with syrupy desserts—then share the meal together.

Evening: Keep it local in Beşiktaş’s Çarşı (market) for casual dinner: try Karadeniz Pide for boat-shaped pide or Köşkeroğlu for çiğ köfte and baklava. Nightcap at Alexandra Cocktail Bar in Arnavutköy with bridge views.

Day 7: Grand Bazaar Finds and Farewell Lunch

Morning: Shop the Grand Bazaar (closed Sundays): copperware, İznik-style ceramics, textiles, and tea sets. Always greet, bargain with a smile, and ask for shipping options. Slip out to the nearby Süleymaniye Mosque terrace for sweeping city views.

Early Afternoon: Quick cultural stop at the Basilica Cistern if you skipped it earlier, or head to Istanbul Modern for a last dose of contemporary art. Farewell lunch at Hamdi Restaurant (near Eminönü) for pistachio kebab and views over the Golden Horn. Pick up lokum (Turkish delight) from Hafız Mustafa for the flight.

Departure: Aim for IST 3 hours ahead of an international flight. Use the M11 metro to Gayrettepe and connect to your line, or a Havaist coach/taxi depending on luggage and timing. Check prices and schedules on Omio (buses) if needed.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time: Rahmi M. Koç Museum (industrial heritage on the Golden Horn), Chora/Kariye Mosque (stunning mosaics—access varies), Princes’ Islands day trip (Büyükada for car-free lanes and seaside seafood; compare ferries on Omio (ferries)).

In a single week, you’ll touch Istanbul’s layers: Byzantine domes, Ottoman courts, vibrant markets, and café-lined neighborhoods on two continents. Return soon—the Bosphorus is different in every season, and the table is always set for one more meze.